Christopher Columbus

Leif Ericson

The Discovery of America



      In this unit you will read about two explorers, Christoper Columbus and Leif Ericson. These two men have a lot in common, but one is more famous than the other. Both Columbus and Ericson loved the sea and were great explorers. They both came to the shores of North America before any other Europeans. As you may already know, Columbus is famous for the discovery of North America. What many people don't know, though, is that Leif Ericson landed on North American soil almost 500 years earlier than Columbus. As you continue through this unit you will read about the voyages of Columbus and Ericson. As you read think about the following question. If Lief Ericson came to America before Columbus, why is Columbus famous for the discovery America instead of Ericson? Before you begin reading, you may want to take a look at the vocabulary for this unit.